Published 5:30 am, Friday, September 17, 2010

A concussion suffered by UH product Kevin Kolb has opened a quarterback controversy for the Eagles.

A concussion suffered by UH product Kevin Kolb has opened a quarterback controversy for the Eagles.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images

McClain: What was learned after first week of NFL

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Here are some things we've learned after one week of the NFL season:

Texans running back Arian Foster averages 149 yards rushing in his last three regular-season games, and his 231 yards against Indianapolis were 25 more than Earl Campbell's greatest output — 206 in 1980.

If the Colts don't find a way to improve their offensive line in general and their running game in particular to take pressure off Peyton Manning, he will get hit more than any time since his rookie year. The Texans hit him 10 times in their 34-24 victory.

The Cowboys need a turnover-free game with a lot of yards and points in a victory over the Bears to get the heat off coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. At least for a week.

The bluster of Rex Ryan hasn't won him many fans outside Jets Nation, and many believe an 0-2 start is just what he deserves for purposely painting that humongous bull's-eye on his back.

The Chargers miss left tackle Marcus McNeil more than receiver Vincent Jackson. Rather than being hard-headed to a point where he hurts the team, general manager A.J. Smith needs to get McNeil to report and protect quarterback Philip Rivers' blind side.

QB controversy in Philly

Philadelphia has a big-time quarterback controversy. Because Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion, Michael Vick will get the start at Detroit, where the Eagles will win and elevate the controversy even more.

If the Redskins play defense against the Texans like they did against the Cowboys with nose tackle Albert Haynesworth on the bench, Mike Shanahan should accept the best offer he can get and ship Haynesworth out of Washington as soon as possible.

Titans quarterback Vince Young didn't throw an interception in their 38-13 victory over the Raiders that helped him go 9-2 as a starter the last two seasons.

NFL experts agree the Raiders have some talent, but they looked listless and poorly coached in their opener at Tennessee.

Keep eye on Steelers

If the Steelers win at Tennessee to start 2-0 with Dennis Dixon at quarterback, the rest of the league will be put on notice that Pittsburgh is capable of being a Super Bowl contender again after Ben Roethlisberger returns.

Under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, the Chiefs' defense - along with the running game - might be good enough to help Kansas City improve enough to be in the 7-9 or 8-8 range.

The Saints might be even better than last season when they beat the Colts in the Super Bowl.

All eyes will be on Brett Favre when the Vikings host the Dolphins. If Miami wins, Favre will hear a lot of questions about regretting his decision to return.

Those of us who picked the 49ers to dethrone the Cardinals in the NFC West might want to think again after watching their wretched offensive performance at Seattle. Quarterback Alex Smith called out his offensive coaches with good cause.

Are the 49ers that bad , or has Pete Carroll done something miraculous in Seattle to make the Seahawks that good?

It's Manning vs. Manning II on Sunday night, and most are taking Peyton over Eli for the second time. It's almost impossible to imagine Peyton Manning starting 0-2.

If the Packers don't find somebody to replace the injured Ryan Grant, defenses will abandon the run and tee off on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With even a decent running game, Rodgers is in that small group right behind Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.

Moss puts foot in mouth

Randy Moss was the epitome of selfishness when he complained about his contract right after the Patriots' opening victory . He should have waited until he went against Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.